Man wanted in fatal shooting of shopping center security guard

Crime Stoppers: Jonathan Vasquez sought, possibly fled to Mexico

Jonathan Vasquez

HOUSTON – Authorities are asking for the public's help in finding a man wanted in connection to the fatal shooting of a shopping center security guard.

Saul Cruz, 71, was shot and killed at 4:10 a.m. Dec. 22 while working as a security officer at a shopping center in the 4700 block of Anderson Road in Houston, authorities said.

Recommended Videos



Cruz was sitting inside his marked security vehicle, when two people armed with an AK-47 and a pistol approached his vehicle from behind. Authorities said the duo shot Cruz as he sat inside his vehicle.

The two then reached inside the vehicle, took Cruz's service weapon and fled, authorities said. Cruz was pronounced dead at the scene by emergency medical personnel.

Homicide detectives arrested one of the suspects involved. Officials said Jonathan Vasquez, 21, is still wanted for capital murder and has possibly fled to Mexico.

Vasquez is described as a Hispanic man who is 6 feet 2 inches tall, weighing 180 pounds and has black hair, brown eyes and a possible gang tattoo of the No. 3 on the left side of his face, authorities said.

Crime Stoppers said it will pay a reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads to the charging or arrest of those responsible in this case. Tipsters can report information by calling 713-222-TIPS (8477) or online at crime-stoppers.org. Tips may also be sent via a text message by texting the following: TIP610 plus the information to CRIMES (274637) or via the Crime Stoppers Houston mobile app. All tipsters remain anonymous.